Title:Deep Learning-reconstructed Parallel Accelerated Imaging for Knee MRI
Volume: 20
Author(s): Sang-Min Lee, MinWoo Kim, Chankue Park*, Dongeon Lee, Kang Soo Kim, Hee Seok Jeong and Min-Hyeok Choi
Affiliation:
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital,
Yangsan, Korea
Keywords:
Deep learning, Accelerated imaging, Parallel imaging, Image quality, Noise, Knee MRI, Musculoskeletal radiology.
Abstract:
Background:
Deep learning (DL) can improve image quality by removing noise from accelerated MRI.
Objective:
To compare the quality of various accelerated imaging applications in knee MRI with and without DL.
Methods:
We analyzed 44 knee MRI scans from 38 adult patients using the DL-reconstructed parallel acquisition technique (PAT) between May 2021 and
April 2022. The participants underwent sagittal fat-saturated T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo accelerated imaging without DL (PAT-2 [2-fold parallel
accelerated imaging], PAT-3, and PAT-4) and with DL (DL with PAT-3 [PAT-3DL] and PAT-4 [PAT-4DL]). Two readers independently
evaluated subjective image quality (diagnostic confidence of knee joint abnormalities, subjective noise and sharpness, and overall image quality)
using a 4-point grading system (1-4, 4=best). Objective image quality was assessed based on noise (noise power) and sharpness (edge rise
distance).
Results:
The mean acquisition times for PAT-2, PAT-3, PAT-4, PAT-3DL, and PAT-4DL sequences were 2:55, 2:04, 1:33, 2:04, and 1:33 min,
respectively. Regarding subjective image quality, PAT-3DL and PAT-4DL scored higher than PAT-2. Objectively, DL-reconstructed imaging had
significantly lower noise than PAT-3 and PAT-4 (P <0.001), but the results were not significantly different from those for PAT-2 (P >0.988).
Objective image sharpness did not differ significantly among the imaging combinations (P =0.470). The inter-reader reliability ranged from good
to excellent (κ = 0.761–0.832).
Conclusion:
PAT-4DL imaging in knee MRI exhibits similar subjective image quality, objective noise, and sharpness levels compared with conventional
PAT-2 imaging, with an acquisition time reduction of 47%.
